Inquiry into regulatory role of HSC/E: Government responds

 The Government has published its reponse to the 2007 DWP Select Committee inquiry into the work of the HSC/E, entitled 'The role of the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive in regulating workplace health and safety'.

In April 2008 the Committee published a report of its findings, raising concerns over a lack of funding for a body, which was said to be “spreading itself too thinly”.  

“There is widespread concern that [the] HSE is inadequately funded and that this undermines its ability to regulate effectively within its core remit,” the Work and Pensions Committee said in its report.

The Government response is now available here >>

In its response, as well as commenting on issues around funding and resources, the Government divulges its approach to and intentions for some key areas of health and safety, including directors' duties, evaluating the success of the corporate manslaughter legislation introduced in April, prosecution and penalties, reporting of injuries, stress management and accreditation for health and safety professionals.

Workplace Law Network has published a briefing summarising the key areas of interest for employers, which you can access here>>